Tyler Clementi Suicide Prompts Anti-Bullying Legislation from N.J. Senator
TRENTON, N.J. (CBS/AP) The family of Rutgers University student Tyler Clementi, who committed suicide after his gay sexual encounter was allegedly broadcast online, has allowed New Jersey Sen. Frank Lautenberg to introduce anti-bullying legislation bearing Clementi's name.
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The "Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act" will require colleges to adopt a code of conduct that prohibits bullying and harassment and recognizes cyber-bullying as an immediate threat to students, reports The Star-Ledger.
Under the new law, all colleges that receive federal aid would be required to adopt policies to prohibit harassment based on a student's sexual orientation, race, gender, as well as other factors.
The proposal would also provide funding in order to jump-start the anti-bullying programs on campus.
"The tragic impact of bullying on college campuses has damaged too many young adults and it is time for our colleges to put policies on the books that would protect students from harassment," Lautenberg said in a statement.
Clementi, 18, jumped off the George Washington Bridge after his roommate Dharun Ravi and classmate Molly Wei reportedly live-streamed video of Clementi in a sexual encounter with another male student in his dorm room without his knowledge.
Both Ravi and Wei have withdrawn from Rutgers and are facing invasion of privacy charges for spying on Clementi, and investigators have considered upgrading their charges to bias crimes because Clementi was gay.
The Clementi family released a statement saying they are "humbled and gratified" that their loss though painful has sparked a "nationwide discussion and awareness of the need for a renewal of values of respect for human dignity and personal privacy, particularly for young people in this time of rapidly evolving technology."
They hope the legislation "will improve the well-being and safety of America's college students."
COMPLETE COVERAGE OF TYLER CLEMENTI ON CRIMESIDER